One University — Since 1898
We share a singular mission to develop distinctive health professionals committed to health promotion, the discovery of knowledge and service to the community.
Founded in 1898, Des Moines University Medicine and Health Sciences is a premier medical and health sciences institution comprising three colleges offering 10 graduate degrees. The programs share a collective strength — a collaborative campus community where students and faculty come together in the pursuit of knowledge and innovation.
DMU creates opportunities by building on its long legacy of providing outstanding education to the nation’s health care professionals and excellent patient care in the DMU Clinic.
Our strong reputation in medicine and health sciences fields is built on the commitment of our faculty who are passionate about training tomorrow's leaders with unmatched dedication and uncompromised intention. Our graduates enter the profession with confidence, compassion and the determination to improve the lives of others on a daily basis.
Explore our degrees
Des Moines University has 10 different programs within three health sciences colleges, all widely respected and highly competitive.
Explore Our Campus
DMU Quick Facts
As a community of diverse and talented people, some key indicators tell the story of DMU’s exceptional quality.
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Big Enough To Offer Powerful Amenities, But Small Enough to Focus On Excellence
DMU is the largest medical school in Iowa — and among the top 25 largest accredited schools in the nation (for D.O.s or M.D.s) — with more than 880 students in the osteopathic medical program. Year-to-year, the university enrolls over 1,500 students across all 10 programs.
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Our Students Know Their Stuff
We boast nearly 100% match rates as a three-year average for our D.O. and D.P.M. programs, and 100% three-year averages of the licensure exam pass rate for our D.O., D.P.M., D.P.T. and M.S.P.A.S. programs.
In 2023, DMU osteopathic medicine students achieved the highest board exam pass rate in the nation.
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A Rich History of Equality and Diversity
The very first medical class in 1898 included both sexes and today 50% of the student body are women. Today, one of our core values is embracing and committing to diversity and inclusivity for all of our students, faculty and staff.
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A Forward-Thinking Campus for Forward-Thinking Education
In 2024, DMU earned the prestigious Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design Silver certification for its state-of-the-art campus. The LEED achievement underscores our commitment to sustainable practices and environmental stewardship in its campus facilities. The new campus incorporates innovative rainwater solutions, a restorative panorama that includes trails, outdoor gathering spaces and energy efficient buildings, with over 88% of campus powered by renewable wind and solar energy.
DMU’s campus was also honored with multiple design awards, recognizing its innovative and sustainable approach to health care education.
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Students’ Dreams Become Reality With Robust Scholarship Opportunities
Our students regularly receive more than $5.5 million in scholarship funds.
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Passionate About Serving Our Community
DMU students and employees serve the community in a wide variety of ways, from free on-campus events like the annual Senior Health Fair and Girls Exploring Medicine & Science to off-campus health screenings, osteopathic manual medicine treatments, health education programs and many more volunteer activities.
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An Alumni Network Spanning the Country — And the Globe
DMU has an alumni network of over 16,000 with more than 3,100 in Iowa.
In 2024, DMU ranked #2 for most graduates practicing in primary care and #8 for graduates practicing in rural areas.
Latest News & Updates
DMU Faculty Wins Award for Commitment to Advancing Curriculum
DMU associate dean for academic assessment, Leslie Wimsatt, awarded AAMC Curriculum Leader Award.
